Australian camp at Al Minhad Air Base renamed

to honour VC recipient

March 13, 2014Edition 1323

WELCOME HOME

Troops welcomed back with parade after end

of Uruzgan mission

PAGE 4

PAGES 2-3

A lasting legacy

Army March 13, 2014NEWS www.defence.gov.au/news/armynews2

THIS EDITIONCompound renamedAustralian AMAB area named in honour of VC recipient – 4

Day to look forwardInternational Women’s Day celebrated Army-wide – 5

113 years of serviceArmy marks another milestone – 6

DirectorDavid Edlington: (02) 6265 4650EditorJohn Wellfare: (02) 6266 7609Deputy EditorAurora Daniels: (02) 6265 3119Sport and triservice coordinationMichael Weaver: (02) 6266 7707Senior reporterWO2 Andrew Hetherington: (02) 6266 7614

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Friends, family and locals line the streets to welcome troops home from Uruzgan deployments

Army March 13, 2014 NEWSwww.defence.gov.au/news/armynews 3

Cpl Mark Doran

TRIBUTES were made to the sacrifices of Australian troops who served in Afghanistan during a parade in Darwin on March 1.

More than 250 ADF personnel were offi-cially welcomed home by an enthusiastic crowd of family, friends and the local commu-nity as they marched along the Esplanade.

Troops marching in the parade repre-sented elements of Combined Team Uruzgan (CTU), 2 Cav Regt Task Group, the Force Support Unit, the Force Communication Unit, the Logistics Training Advisory Team and the Artillery Training and Advisory Team.

The final contingent returned to Australia in December 2013 following the completion of Australia’s mission in Uruzgan.

Sgt Chris Sinclair, of 1CSSB, said the homecoming parade was a good opportunity for the ADF personnel to be recognised for their service.

“Our families were very proud to watch us march by,” Sgt Sinclair said.

“It was also fantastic to see my fianceé’s face, who I actually met in Afghanistan, in the crowd.”

On hand to recognise the achievements of the returning personnel was Prime Minister Tony Abbott who announced a national day of commemoration for the war in Afghanistan in which 30,000 Australian personnel have served since 2001. It will be held on March 21, 2015.

CA Lt-Gen David Morrison said the parade marked the end of active service in Uruzgan and Australian troops had served with great professionalism and honour.

“It is no coincidence that today’s parade is on the official birthday of the Australian Army,” Lt-Gen Morrison said,”

“We are part of the ranks of those men and women who have stood a lonely vigil since 1901.

“We are part of that great narrative of the Australian soldier and service to the nation, that long, loping column stretching back across more than a century who have worn the slouch hat and the rising sun badge abroad in the ser-vice of this country.

“We are deeply proud of that and I am deeply proud of you.”

Col Wade Stothart was Commander CTU 5 when the Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF) assumed responsibility for security in Uruzgan on December 3, 2013.

“Our role was to train and advise the ANSF and I am proud to say the Afghans have done a good job and continue to maintain their secu-rity,” Col Stothart said.

“I am also proud of the way Australian and coalition troops in Uruzgan interacted with their Afghan partners – it was a real partner-ship based on trust and respect.

“The homecoming parade was important to us as the Darwin community has been very supportive of the broader military family and our friends, which is a great source of comfort, so this was also an opportunity for us to say thank you.”

Lt-Col Mick Bye was CO 2 Cav Regt Task Group as the unit provided force protection for coalition personnel based at Multinational Base Tarin Kot and mentored soldiers from the Afghan National Army’s 4th Bde.

“I am most proud of the fine effort by our fighting men and women from all services in our joint organisation,” Lt-Col Bye said.

“I am immensely proud of the tenacity, determination and dedication of our diggers who did a fantastic job in Uruzgan under dif-ficult circumstances.

“This homecoming parade recognises the significant contribution, not only of our task group, but of all those Australian servicemen and women who served.”

With the mission in Afghanistan having lasted more than a decade, Lt-Col Bye said it had created another generation of Defence per-sonnel with experience in conflict.

“Without this experience we would not have the knowledge or understanding of our wider defence commitments or the nature of war, and what is required to build and con-tinue to provide Australia with a solid defence force,” Lt-Col Bye said.

“We have learnt much from our experiences in Afghanistan, but most importantly we have done well.

“There is no doubt Afghanistan has its problems, but I sincerely believe we left Uruzgan in better shape than it was and its people will benefit in the future.”

Mr Abbott welcomed the returned troops to a reception in the Great Hall at the Northern Territory Parliament House.

“We don’t know – we can’t know – what the future holds for the people of Afghanistan, but we do know that every day you were there was better than it would have been,” he said.

“Like your forebears, who fought milita-rism, who fought Nazism and fascism and who fought communism, you have fought for the universal decencies of mankind – the rights of the weak against the strong, the rights of the poor against the rich and the rights of all to strive for the very best they can.

“Australians don’t fight to conquer; we fight to help, to build and to serve. So yes, it was worth it.

“The price was high but the cause was great and the success has been sufficient.”

When Australia’s Uruzgan mission ended late last year, focus shifted to a nationally ori-ented mission in Afghanistan, providing ongo-ing training and advisory support to the ANSF.

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ADF farewells G-G at ADFATHE annual CDF Parade at ADFA took on added significance on March 1.

Traditionally, the parade marks the year one cadets’ successful completion of initial military train-ing program, but this year’s parade doubled as the ADF farewell to Governor-General Quentin Bryce.

CDF Gen David Hurley told the cadets they had sworn to serve as members of the ADF.

“Before Her Majesty’s repre-sentative, the Governor-General, you have reaffirmed that commitment and accepted your responsibility to uphold the highest values of the ADF,” he said.

Gen Hurley thanked Australia’s commander in chief for her unwaver-ing support for the nation’s military personnel.

“This was most evident when the

Governor-General met with our sol-diers, sailors, airmen and airwomen on operations in Afghanistan, Timor-Leste and the Solomon Islands and in the wake of natural disasters,” he said.

“On a personal note, I have always

appreciated the sincere compassion Her Excellency has extended to our wounded personnel and the families of Australia’s fallen.”

Ms Bryce told the midshipmen and officer cadets it was a great privi-lege to review the parade and share an important milestone in their careers.

“I never fail to have a sense of awe and admiration for what they repre-sent,” Ms Bryce said.

“When I reflect on our ADF it is always with the highest regard for what they do and how they do it.

“I am impressed by their calm assurance, the camaraderie, resilience and optimism, even in harsh and dan-gerous conditions.”

The military farewell also included a 100-person Royal Guard of Honour mounted by AFG and a triservice flypast comprising F/A18 Super Hornets from the Air Force as well as Navy and Army helicopters.

Darwin salutes returned soldiers

“We are part of that great narrative of the Australian soldier and service to the

nation, that long, loping column stretching back across more than a century who have

worn the slouch hat and the rising sun badge abroad in the service of this country.

– CA Lt-Gen David Morrison

Been missing you: Sig Navid Himal, of 1CSR, receives a big welcome home hug from his wife Ababil. Photo by Cpl Bill Solomou

You’re home: LCpl Terrance Sullivan, of 2

Cav Task Group, gets a cuddle from his children

Tommas and Jack.

Salute: CO CTU 4 Col Simon Stuart leads his

unit in the parade.

Glad to be back: Tpr Justin Griffiths, of 1 Armd Regt, waves to the crowd.Photos by Cpl Bill Solomou

Salute: A lance bearer from 2 Cav Regt oversees the welcome home parade in Darwin on March 1. Photo by Cpl Mark Doran

Baker breakdownCamp Baker remediation begins in Afghanistan – 9

Celebrating diversityTroops march in Mardi Gras for second year – 10

Furry friendsWar Memorial honours animals with family day – 12

Match to rememberArmy Thunder take to the field in Bellingen. – Centrepiece

Overcoming injuryWounded digger talks about what it’s like to be ‘broken’. – 18

Tax refundsAccessing tax benefits without landing in hot water. – 25

“As an enduring legacy to Cpl Baird’s valour,

the Australian domestic compound at Al Minhad Air Base will in future be known and remembered

as Camp Baird – in recognition of a great

soldier and a great warrior.– Maj-Gen Craig Orme, Commander JTF 633.

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Army March 13, 2014NEWS www.defence.gov.au/news/armynews4

Camp renamed Cpl Cameron Baird VC leaves a lasting legacy in the UAE

Capt Chris Rickey

THE Australian domestic com-pound at Al Minhad Air Base in the United Arab Emirates is now officially known as Camp Baird, in memory of Cpl Cameron Baird VC MG, who was killed in action in Uruzgan province on June 22, 2013, while serving as part of the Special Operations Task Group.

On February 18, the day of Cpl Baird’s posthumous investiture as Australia’s 100th recipient of the Victoria Cross, Commander JTF 633 Maj-Gen Craig Orme made the announcement to Australian personnel who had gathered to pay tribute to the 2 Cdo Regt soldier.

“As an enduring legacy to Cpl Baird’s valour, I’m announcing that the Australian domestic compound here at Al Minhad Air Base will in future be known and remembered as Camp Baird – in recognition of a great soldier and a great warrior,” he said.

“This is a special tribute to a member of JTF 633 who made the ultimate sacrifice.”

The small service also included a reading of Cpl Baird’s VC citation detailing his courageous actions under enemy fire as a commando team commander during a helicopter assault into Ghawchak Village in the Khod Valley.

“The Victoria Cross is Australia’s highest honour and only awarded to those who display the most conspicuous gallantry and daring in the face of the enemy,” Maj-Gen Orme said.

“In the history of our nation only 99 other Australians have received the Victoria Cross, Corporal Baird is the 100th.”

The VC for Australia was presented to Cpl Baird’s parents, Doug and Kaye, during a ceremony at Government House in Canberra on February 18.

Cpl Baird was the 40th Australian soldier to be killed on active service in Afghanistan.

In memory: ADF personnel listen to Cpl Cameron Baird’s VC citation during a small ceremony in the United Arab Emirates where Commander JTF 633 Maj-Gen Craig Orme also announced the renaming of the Australian Defence compound at Al Minhad Air Base to Camp Baird.Photo by WO2 Rob Nyffenegger

VCDF launches paper on sexual violence in warVCDF Air-Mshl Mark Binskin launched an Australian Civil-Military Centre (ACMC) research paper on the issue of sexual and gender-based violence in conflict zones on February 11.

The paper, Conflict-related Sexual and Gender-based Violence: an introductory overview to support prevention and support efforts aims to break stereotypes and providing answers.

Air-Mshl Binskin launched the paper at a Civil Military Leaders Workshop in Canberra.

“While well known, sexual and gender-based violence around con-flict is complex,” he said.

“Often the subject matter itself is so overwhelming that it

discourages consideration of an effective means to respond and prevent its occurrence in conflict and post-conflict settings.

“Crucially, throughout this paper, information is provided about what is being done to pre-vent and respond to this type of vio-lence, citing international, regional and domestic efforts.

“By sharing operational research we can examine how best to imple-ment gender considerations within international responses, and assess the impact on the lives of women and girls, men and boys in conflict and post-conflict situations.”

ACMC executive director Dr Alan Ryan said that by sharing operational research, the ACMC

could examine how best to imple-ment gender considerations within international responses.

“New tools, research and on-the-ground initiatives are being developed regularly, with a focus on how to constructively respond to and prevent sexual violence,” he said.

“This paper provides civilian, military and police around the world with an overview of sexu-al and gender-based violence as it applies to conflict and post-conflict environments. With its focus on improving understanding, the paper aims to support efforts to prevent and respond to sexual violence.”

The report is available at www.acmc.gov.au

Close to reaching 12 per cent targetCpl Max Bree

WOMEN will make up almost 12 per cent of the Army by mid-year, CA Lt-Gen David Morrison said during his International Women’s Day address to personnel at Army HQ on March 7.

The CA said numbers of female soldiers were almost at the target he set during a similar address for International Women’s Day in 2012.

“We will close in on 12 per cent by the time I finish as the Chief at mid-night on the 3rd of July this year,” he said. “That will be something of great pride personally for me but also as a leader.”

The CA thanked Army person-nel for getting behind the increase in women for the “right” reasons.

“It is only the first of many steps that need to be taken,” he said. “Because the underlining premise to all of this is that it’s about being a more capable Army.

“It’s about providing a fighting force for this nation for now and into the unforeseeable future,” he said. “And I know very well now that a better balanced, more inclusive and diverse workforce will deliver that for this country.

“If we don’t do this, we will not be the force we need to be.

“We’ve come a long way in the Army in two years but we haven’t come far enough.”

RMC Commandant Brig Dianne Gallasch also spoke at the function.

She was one of the last to go through the Women’s Royal Australian Army Corps School in 1984, just before it closed and all initial entry training was integrated.

“In the beginning of my Army career, being male or female made a significant difference in where and

Making changes: RMC Commandant Brig Dianne Gallasch addresses Army HQ staff as CA Lt-Gen David Morrison and RSM-A WO Dave Ashley look on. Photo by Cpl Max Bree

how you worked and in some cases how you were treated,” she said.

“I feel encouraged about the expe-rience the young men and women who are coming up through RMC and Kapooka gain, and have gained since 1985.

“They will journey through their careers learning many jobs and experiencing many different workplaces across the organisation. The difference now is they will find a collegiate workplace is not just an idea or an expectation – it is a given.”

COMMANDERS SPEAK UP

Our Army is becoming more ready and relevant for future challenges because of our widening employment of women. As a recent commander on operations I have witnessed the important role played by women as part of a balanced force. On this International Women's Day I am proud to be part of an Army that is setting an example and proving the importance of wide employment of women in the workforce.Maj-Gen Stuart Smith, Commander 1 Div

There are many women doing high quality work across Forcomd. Today is an appropriate time to reflect on their skills, professionalism and commitment. Their contribution to Forcomd is real and valuable.Maj-Gen Mick Slater, Commander Forcomd

Socomd relies on a wide variety of perspectives, views and ideas to develop and deliver unconventional solutions. Our women have always been an integral part of the team and they provide unique perspectives that strengthen our capability outputs.Brig Dan McDaniel, Socaust

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Army March 13, 2014 NEWSwww.defence.gov.au/news/armynews 5

Celebrating equalityTo mark women’s achievements for International Women’s Day on March 8, WO2 Andrew Hetherington spoke with three soldiers about their experiences in the Army and what it means to be a woman in uniform.

Cpl Alice Lenicka is an administra-tion operator and the orderly room corporal at 1 Sig Regt at Gallipoli Barracks in Brisbane. She joined the Army in 2006 after finishing Year 12.

“I DIDN’T really know what I wanted to do after school and I thought the Army would be a good place to earn some money and experience while I figured out what I would do,” Cpl Lenicka said.

“My sister had joined the Army two years before me and is an oper-ator mover, my Dad’s a WO1 and they both seemed to enjoy it.”

Cpl Lenicka deployed to the MEAO in 2009 and then to Tarin Kot in Afghanistan between May 2011 and February 2012.

During her deployment to Afghanistan, Cpl Lenicka worked in a variety of roles.

“My primary job in Tarin Kot was as an orderly room corporal and I also shared the movement’s role with the sergeant operator movements by organising fixed wing movements, maintaining operations logs, sending person-nel statistics to the chief clerk and collecting and distributing mail,” she said.

“I would also assist the guys at the post office, trade training school and the photographer with other lit-tle jobs to fill in my time.”

She also had the opportunity to meet Afghan women and girls, going outside the base with the Female Engagement Team (FET).

“I volunteered for the FET because I thought it would be inter-esting and provide me with different

Capt Belinda O’Malley is a reserve nurs-ing officer posted to 3 Health Support Company (3HSC) in Adelaide, where she works as the clinical training officer and is also the assistant training officer for 3HSB. She also works for a civilian nursing agency. Her professional back-ground is in anaesthetics and recovery in the perioperative nursing role.

“I JOINED the Army at the end of 2008, when my children where all grown up and organised. It was some-thing I’d always wanted to do,” Capt O’Malley said.

“I had no specific reason to join other than I just wanted a new challenge in my life and really liked the idea of represent-ing my country in such a traditional way.”

In 2013, Capt O’Malley deployed to Afghanistan as a member of the Australian Specialist Health Group – a group of nine medical specialists in their field, from the three services of the ADF.

“I was lucky and privileged to have deployed to the Role 3 Multinational Medical Unit in Kandahar, Afghanistan, run by the US Navy,” Capt O’Malley said.

“I worked as a perioperative nurse there, where I, as one of the nurses in the operating room, was involved in man-agement of staff, equipment and all the safety aspects in relation to the individual patients in my care.

“It was extremely busy. In the case of major trauma, there could be up to eight personnel, surgeons and scrub technicians scrubbed in, and you had to make sure they all had what they required, with time being of the essence.”

The best aspect of her job in Kandahar was seeing the positive outcomes of

her work and working with other health professionals from another country.

“We knew we were making a difference when we treated the soldiers and civilians in our care,” Capt O’Malley said.

“Also we were really embraced by the US Navy personnel who ran the hospital, so it was very special knowing we were so respected and strongly represented both our country and the ADF overseas in such a positive way.

“The systems used and teamwork which occurred at the hospital was phenomenal; there was definitely no ‘I’ in team, everyone just wanted to do what was best for the casualties and in doing so support all mem-bers of the team.”

Even though her job in Kandahar was rewarding, it could also be difficult at times.

“It was extremely sad sending home young men who had been so badly injured in combat – having lost limbs and suffered head injuries – knowing that although they were alive, their whole life had changed completely, both from a work and personal perspective,” she said.

“Also [it was said] seeing how badly affected the colleagues of the wounded casualties were, as they were such a close-knit team; but in saying this the support they gave each other as a team if they lost a colleague was inspirational.”

Capt O’Malley said she had been given many opportunities with the Army.

“From my experience at 3HSB, the unit tends to embrace all of their members, their skills and professionalism,” she said.

“The unit doesn’t discriminate between male and female, so opportunities are avail-able to all if they want to put in the work and commitment.”

Tpr Hayley Tillman is a ground crewman aircraft support member with the Aircraft Support Troop at 5 Avn Regt at Townsville. She is the only woman in her job at the unit.

“BEFORE I joined the Army in January 2011 I was a waitress and barista at a local restaurant at Pacific Palms NSW. I’d grown up going to air shows with my family and my Dad is ex-RAEME,” she said.

“I’d always loved Black Hawks and I said to my Dad one day I wanted to join the Army and work with them.

“After completing my HSC I applied to join the Army as a ground crewman aircraft sup-port. In our job we do cold refuels (aircraft is shut down), hot refuels (aircraft is still turning and burn-ing) and also re-arm the aircraft, on base, out in the field and on deploy-ments.”

In January 2013, Tpr Hayley deployed to Bundaberg to help B Sqn’s civilian flood relief efforts.

“We were flown out to Gin Gin showgrounds to conduct refuels with a civilian tanker from Gladstone Airport,” she said.

“We were refuelling everything

from our S70-9 Black Hawks to various other rescue helicopters that were there to help out with the rescue effort.

“The best aspect of being there was helping the residents of Bundaberg and the surrounding affected areas. Also another reason was the people we met from the Gin Gin community at the show-grounds where we stayed. They looked after us and its reasons like this that make being in the Army all worthwhile.”

Tpr Tillman said hearing from

residents who had lost their homes was an overwhelming experience.

“They were thanking me for all the help and looking after them, when all I was doing was refuel-ling the aircraft. I wasn’t actually moving and rescuing them, and they would reply ‘You don’t have to do that’, just being there was what mattered to them,” she said.

“Hearing this from people who had lost everything made me feel so proud to belong and be a part of the Army.

“I think the Army is a great place to be employed as a woman. Some days you are tested physically and mentally by certain tasks, but it’s all a part of being in the Army and bringing out a better person in yourself who is stronger both physi-cally and mentally.”

Tpr Tillman said she had been treated fairly and equally with other members of the Army.

“I’ve made some of my best friendships since joining and would consider some of the boys my fam-ily,” she said.

“Everyone has your back as you have theirs. No one gets left behind and there are so many great job opportunities for everyone, espe-cially for females.”

Keeping the choppers in the air

Engaging women in Afghanistan

Saving lives on deployment

experiences I would not otherwise get a chance to have,” she said.

“I enjoyed meeting the women and staff at the local hospital. I found them to be lovely and I was surprised how far they had travelled from different areas of the country to attend midwife training.

“I also had a lot of fun visiting the girls’ school and interacting with the teachers and children.”

Cpl Lenicka believes the Army does a lot to support the employ-ment of women.

“I personally consider myself

lucky as the majority of my super-visors throughout my career have not focused on the fact that I am a woman, but they have treated me as a person and identified my strengths and weaknesses according to the tasks I was given,” she said.

“I do feel there are a vast number of opportunities for me within the Army, both laid out as goals I can aim to achieve and those which have eventuated from circumstances and the people I have met throughout my career.”

Mr Phillip NelsonLEPDP ManagerForces CommandVictoria BarracksPaddington NSW 2012Ph: (02) 8335 5903Fax: (02) 8335 6506phillip.nelson@defence.gov.au

Army March 13, 2014NEWS www.defence.gov.au/news/armynews6

Cpl Max Bree

ARMY marked its 113th birthday with a service at the Australian War Memorial on March 3.

In what was likely to be his last Army birthday as CA, Lt-Gen David Morrison paid tribute to those still deployed.

“Let us also pause to reflect that we have brothers and sisters still in harm’s way in Afghanistan, the Sudan and else-where,” he said. “Spare thoughts or prayers for them and their loved ones and ensure that our work back here is directed to keep-ing them safe and supported until their job is done.”

About 400 soldiers and officers attend-ed the service where the CA thanked every-one who served in Afghanistan.

“Australians are not a sentimental mob,” he said. “But this is a special day. After a long period at war, our Army has come home. Each and every one of us have in some modest way contributed to a unique and rich chapter in the history of our Army in a time of war.

“In some cases that has meant multiple deployments in dire peril. In other cases it has entailed vital, though less glamorous, sustainment and training work. But every one of you can be proud today.”

The CA praised soldiers for what they went without in their Army service.

“Few Australians are willing to forsake the path of wealth, comfort and prestige to serve in the Army, especially during con-flict,” he said. “But you have and you have added a rich chapter to the history of the Army and to our nation in so doing.”

The CA noted that most of the names on the War Memorial’s Role of Honour belonged to soldiers.

“They wore our uniform with its dis-tinctive Rising Sun Badge,” he said. “They wore our slouch hat, which has become one of the great icons of our nation.

“Though we are separated from them by generations and indeed, by the dark chasm of death itself, our bond as soldiers makes all of us members of an extended family.”

After 35 years in the Army, the CA said he was proud of his family’s service.

“Before me, my Dad was a soldier,” he said. “So our family has served in the Army for more than half of its his-tory and one of us has been in the modern Australian Regular Army for every day of its existence.”

Cpl Mark Doran

AS THE Australian Army celebrated its 113th birthday on March 1, ADF personnel and guests at Robertson Barracks also celebrated 1 Bde’s Centenary.

Following the welcome home parade for its troops in Darwin, military commanders and their partners joined Northern Territory dignitaries at an officers’ mess function.

Commander 1 Bde Brig John Frewen said March 1 was always an important day for the brigade but was doubly so this year due to the centenary.

He said 1 Bde was formed in 1914 for service during WWI and landed and fought in Gallipoli at the beginning of the 1915 campaign.

“On April 27, the first Commander of 1 Bde, Col Henry MacLaurin, was killed by a Turkish sniper,” Brig Frewen said.

“Fortunately 1 Bde commanders have fared better since then, and the brigade has gone on to have a long and proud history with a close association with the NT that we hope continues.

Soldiers from 1 Bde also fought on the Western Front in France and Belgium before being disbanded in mid-1919.

In 1921, 1 Bde was re-raised as a unit of Australia’s part-time military forces, based in NSW.

During WWII the brigade undertook defensive duties before being disbanded. In 1948 it was re-raised as an integral part of the ARA and now contains a significant proportion of the Army’s regular units and a high proportion of the Army’s combat power.

Centenary celebrations for 1 Brigade soldiers

Tribute to 113 yearsWHAT THE ARMY IS TO ME

Cpl Ryan Veness, admin clerk at DOCM-A, has been in the Army more than four years.

“I joined because my grandfather was in the Army,” he said. “It’s a great career with a lot of opportunity. I love the teamwork and the work environment.”

Cpl Aaron Wilcox, MP at DPU Canberra, has been in the Army 12 years.

“I joined because all my family is in the military,” he said. “I like the lifestyle, the ability to travel and

the different experiences I can get.

“With your mates you can rely on each other. “And you’re able to go off and share experi-ences of travelling. You can depend on your mates as well.”

WO2 Stephen Fitzgerald, Army History Unit, been in the Army reserve 7 years and ARA 17 years.

“I was sitting at home one day bored and there was an advert to join the Army reserves on TV; I was 17,” he said.

“I’ve worked many jobs but I like the lifestyle. And when you go from one place to another there’s a bond to each other. When you go to a new job there’s a new bunch of friends.”

Happy birthday: Soldiers and officers gathered in Canberra for a service to mark the Army’s 113th birthday at the Australian War Memorial Photos by Cpl Max Bree

A hundred years: WO2 Shaun Gibbons, of 2 Cav Regt, with the unit’s mascot, wedge-tailed eagle Courage. The soldiers from 1 Bde celebrated the centenary of the brigade on March 1. Photo by Cpl Bill Solomou

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Army March 13, 2014 NEWSwww.defence.gov.au/news/armynews 7

CA reveals Army futureBattle styles to change, weapons will be more lethal and a digital revolution is necessary into the futureCpl Max Bree

FUTURE battlefields will be more crowded, connected and lethal, requiring work with allies operat-ing in a constrained environment, according to CA Lt-Gen David Morrison.

During an address at the Lowy Institute in Sydney on February 19, the CA outlined what he believed would characterise future operations until 2035.

He said rural to urban migration, population growth, limited resources and political instability would crowd future operating environments.

Al though be t te r connec ted economies and people would dominate operations, “it’s futile for an analogue land force to operate within this digital terrain”, the CA said.

As highly lethal weapons are now available to terrorists, criminals and paramilitaries, Lt-Gen Morrison believes it won’t be just national armed forces brandishing the most dangerous equipment.

He said the Army would need to lead or credibly contribute to any future military coalitions it would join.

Everything from resources to response times and rules of engage-ment will also constrain how forces operate.

In decades past, the CA said Army became too insular and drew too many dubious lessons from post

WWII operations, nearly all of which were irregular, limited wars.

“The Army I joined believed war was synonymous with jungle fighting by light infantry sub units,” he said.

This “inhibited our thinking and analysis” about the changing nature of battle in the late 20th Century.

“Logic and the changing charac-ter of war demanded that we made a more rational use of our vehicle fleets and standardise our brigades,” Lt-Gen Morrison said.

“In an Army our size the idea that an officer or soldier was a Townsville,

Brisbane or Darwin specialist was simply unsustainable. The term ‘dysfunctional’ is not unfair.”

The Army had difficulty deploying, commanding and sustaining a modest Australian force, much less the multi-national coalition it led into East Timor in 1999, according to Lt-Gen Morrison.

“The net effect was that we could not have engaged in sustained close combat employing combined arms teams,” he said.

“Any suggestion that we could match a credible peer competitor was fanciful. Indeed it would be hard to

conjure a peer competitor with so few coherent capabilities in its inventory.”

He said his predecessors used lim-ited resources skilfully and kept the combat ethos alive.

Things changed in 2000 when the ability to mount and sustain a robust brigade deployment in Australia’s immediate neighbourhood became the strategic guidance to the ADF regard-less of government.

“In 2003, no Australian com-bat team could have survived pro-tracted operations in Fallujah. I ven-ture to claim we could today,” Lt-Gen

Morrison said. “We began the trans-formation from a light infantry based army to one in which every soldier was able to manoeuvre in a light armoured vehicle. This was long overdue.”

The Army started developing stand-ard multi-role brigades with common doctrine, training and inventories.

“Without this we could not field combined arms teams capable of fac-ing credible competitors,” the CA said.

“We needed three like brigades to maintain that commitment over time. Plan Beersheba delivers that and more.”

Three enabling brigades also sup-port the three brigades at “the tip of the spear” while six streamlined reserve brigades are in support.

“Until this innovation we had to penny packet some of our highly spe-cialised trades and skills, and this was both haphazard and very draining on the specialists involved,” he said.

“We have restored the primacy of foundation warfighting skills, we have resisted the temptation to assume that we are entering an era purely of hybrid war or permanent insurgency.”

During the speech the CA also emphasised the importance the ADF’s joint capability and the new LHDs.

“[Because of] that I made the deci-sion to forego self-propelled howitzers in order to assist in funding a balanced Defence Force,” he said.

“Australia needs its ADF more than it needs its Army, Navy or Air Force.”

Outlook: Battles will become more connected and lethal as populations move from rural areas into urban environments, CA Lt-Gen David Morrison says.Photo by Sgt Jessi Ann McCormick

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Army March 13, 2014NEWS www.defence.gov.au/news/armynews8

Support ongoing Cadre remains with ISAF to train Afghan security forcesCapt Chris Rickey

DESPITE the end of the ADF mis-sion in Uruzgan province and the drawdown of personnel in southern Afghanistan, Australia’s commit-ment to the country and its people continues.

The ADF has shifted to a nationally focused mission with about 400 military personnel providing ongoing train-ing and advisory support for Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF).

Australia is also maintaining a cadre of embedded personnel at ISAF HQ, ISAF Joint Command and Regional Command South.

Personnel in these roles will contin-ue the important process of building the capability of the ANSF to take security responsibility for their country.

The command’s HQ contains a number of key ADF personnel with Australia’s most senior being Brig Patrick Kidd, the Deputy Commanding General for Force Development.

“Here at Regional Command South the Australians working alongside their International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) colleagues are doing everything they can to enable the ANSF, that’s the police and the army, to operate on their own,” he said.

If we are going to make real pro-gress here it is all about them being able to step up and take the lead, so a great deal of effort has gone into that over the last few years.

“Right now, we are in a pretty good place. The ANSF are in the lead for

Advisory role: Brig Patrick Kidd outside Regional Command

South HQ in Kandahar. Photo by WO2 Rob Nyffenegger

operations on a day-to-day basis, so at this point in time it’s largely about try-ing to finish that off, making sure they have the right capabilities, the right capacity and importantly, the confi-dence to do what it is they have to do.”

There are also Australians providing direct support to NATO airfield opera-tions in Kandahar as well as a team pro-viding advisory support to the Afghan National Army’s 205th Hero Corps.

In March, the next rotation of Australian medical specialists is expected to arrive at the Role 3 medical facility in Kandahar.

“We have a bunch of Australian experts in planning, logistics and medi-cal and they are individuals who work inside what is largely an American effort, although there are many other nations here,” Brig Kidd said.

“Working inside this multinational military environment is providing a real opportunity for Australians to contribute their expertise and provide a unique perspective and it is making a genuine difference.”

Brig Kidd said the environment and conditions in southern Afghanistan remained complex.

“There are some great challenges here; it remains a very dangerous place,” he said.

“The Taliban are still able to have localised effects but in my view, in broad terms, man for man, organisation for organisation, the Afghan security forces are well in control.

“As the two main organisations charged with providing security in this region the police and army are doing an excellent job, but our work continues.”

Platoon protects Afghan advisersINFANTRY and cavalry soldiers make up the Force Protection Platoon providing security for the 205 Corps Coalition Advisory Team at Forward Operating Base Lindsay in Kandahar.

The platoon is made up of 53 personnel drawn from 7 Pl, 1RAR and B Sqn, 3/4 Cav Regt.

The soldiers provide general protection and armoured trans-port to and from the FOB for the advisers, who are providing guidance to the Afghan National Army’s 205th Hero Corps HQ.

Pictured inset is the 205CAT emblem, which flies at the Kandahar base.

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Army March 13, 2014 NEWSwww.defence.gov.au/news/armynews 9

Capt Chris Rickey

AS A sequel to the successful remediation of Camp New Holland at Multinational Base Tarin Kot in Uruzgan Province, ADF personnel are turning their attention to the Australian Compound at Kandahar Air Field (KAF) – Camp Baker.

The smaller brother to the Tarin Kot base, Camp Baker is a vital cog in terms of the sus-tainment of Australian embeds and detachments still operating inside southern Afghanistan.

New Camp Baker Commandant Maj Micheal Black says his mission is twofold.

“My focus is a little different from my pre-decessor in terms of managing the sustainment mission, which as a logistician is a major priori-ty for me, but then there is the overseeing of the remediation of Baker, so Australian elements are in the best possible position to conduct the Resolute Support Mission when it comes into effect,” he said.

“Expect some major changes in the physical appearance of the camp as well. Anything that isn’t a permanent structure will be remediated or gifted. Right now, we are in the process of moving and upgrading the welfare facility for our personnel here.”

The senior Australian officer overseeing all ADF remediation and redeployment operations is Air-Cdre Hayden Marshall; he says the work underway at the compound is in line with what

other coalition nations are doing at their own facilities inside KAF.

“We are definitely not alone in this work, the Commander of Kandahar Air Field issued an order, Op Skywalker which provides very clear guidance for all the ‘tenants’ here at KAF regarding the removal of temporary structures and the clearing up of all sites and compounds to the maximum extent possible,” he said.

Australia’s experience in Uruzgan and the success of the MNB-TK drawdown has placed the ADF in an enviable position in regards to the remediation.

“We spent a lot of time working out how to get ahead of the game, given there will soon be considerable demand on contractors, we decided let’s rip in and do what we can now,” Air-Cdre Marshall said. “We have people who have the contacts and the experience, and the process is now tried and tested, so we can lever-age off that quite extensively.”

It remains a balancing act for FSU 9, which constitutes the bulk of personnel at Camp Baker, who are involved in remediation opera-tions, while maintaining an appropriate level of security and force protection.

“Maj-Gen Craig Orme (Commander JTF 633) places a high priority on force protection, so do I. My first job after I arrived at Camp Baker was to examine our physical security. I want to be in a position to look after my team and without doubt the next Commandant at Baker will do exactly the same,” he said.

New role for Camp Baker

Packing up: A Kalmar container lift truck is used to place relocatable accommodation modules onto trucks for removal as part of the Camp Baker remediation. Inset, Australian Camp Baker Commandant Maj Micheal Black. Photos by WO2 Rob Nyffenegger

Kandahar camp remediation begins

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Army March 13, 2014NEWS www.defence.gov.au/news/armynews10

Diplomats visit deployed observer force in Sinai

Sqn-Ldr Vince Chong

The second official ADF participation in the Mardi Gras parade found new relevance amid the cultural festival’s own ratings revival.

Commander of the Army division Capt Philip Murphy said a quarter of the contingent this year comprised straight officer cadets and midshipmen from ADFA, showing a generational commitment to the evolving ADF and true mateship to their lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) colleagues.

“Their support is a clear reflection of Army’s and the ADF’s commitment to respecting diversity and supporting the LGBTI service men and women,” he said.

“I was proud to be a soldier that day and I was proud that my Army family was there to support me in the finest tradition of mateship.

“Every year, Mardi Gras boosts the confidence of many soldiers, sailors and airmen, who recognise that the opportunity to march in the Mardi Gras shows that the ADF strongly values them.”

Family members, ex-service personnel and employees in the Defence LGBTI Information Service (DEFGLIS) civilian contingent drummed up excite-ment in the crowd, thrilled to be contributing to efforts aimed at increasing inclusion throughout Defence.

Mardi Gras is a forum that allows different parts of the community to express and represent them-selves. For Defence, this meant marching as a formed body, accompanied by the ADFA drum corps, amid the vibrant colour and lights filling Oxford Street in Sydney.

The ADF led the “Protect and Defend” section of the parade alongside other uniformed government organisations such as the Australian Federal Police, NSW Police, and ambulance, fire and state emergency services.

The 2014 festival produced a substantial boost in TV ratings for the first time since the mid-90s.

DEFGLIS supports and represents LGBTI members of Defence and their families. For more information go to www.defglis.com.au

Troops form up for second year ADF personnel march as a formed body in the Mardi Gras

Army pride: Soldiers march in the Mardi Gras as a formed

body for the second year.Photos by AB Jake Badior

ADF personnel serving in the Sinai received a welcome visit from an Australian with a detailed understanding of the Israeli-Arab world.

Australian Ambassador to Israel Dave Sharma and his deputy were part of an official delegation that made a flying visit to the Multinational Force and Observers’ (MFO) North Camp near the Mediterranean Sea and Egypt’s border with Israel.

An international team of ambassadors from countries contributing forces to MFO flew to the base to discuss and assess the ongoing mission, including the Australian contribution, with senior MFO leadership.

Australian Contingent adjutant Capt John Phillips said Mr Sharma was also keen to talk with ADF personnel and reinforce the importance of their mission.

“The Ambassador spoke of the historical significance and strategic importance that the Australian Government places on the MFO mission,” Capt Phillips said.

“The Ambassador also talked of how valuable the ADF contribution is to ensuring the mission’s continued success.”

Australia has a long association with the MFO and was one of the original contributing nations in 1982.

The MFO is an independent non-UN peacekeeping force, a response to the requirements of the 1979 Treaty of Peace between Egypt and Israel.

There are 25 Navy, Air Force and Army personnel deployed to the MFO on Operation Mazurka. All are based at the MFO’s North Camp at El Gorah in the northern Sinai.

ADF members contribute to the peace process by assisting with North Camp security, managing and planning MFO operations and providing support to the headquarters in many key areas.

Twenty-three of the 25 members of the Australian contingent serve for a six-month tour, with half the contingent rotating every three months, while the contingent commander and contingent second in command deploy for 12 months.

International relations: Members of the Op Mazurka team at North

Camp in the Sinai meet Australian Ambassador to Israel Dave Sharma.

Army March 13, 2014 NEWSwww.defence.gov.au/news/armynews 11

Guns sound for bombing Soldiers from 8/12 Regt give life to the 72nd anniversary of the Bombing of Darwin commemorationsLeut Andrew Ragless

FOUR M2A2 Howitzer guns roared to life on The Esplanade in Darwin on February 19, re-enacting the moment in 1942 when Australian soldiers fought with valour against the first and largest enemy air attack on Australian soil.

The 72nd anniversary of the bombing of Darwin was supported by soldiers from 8/12 Regt, their Howitzers fi r ing seven blank 105mm rounds in succession to commemorate each decade passed since the devastating attack.

The gunfire, prompted by the fly past of two PC-9 aircraft from 4 Sqn, RAAF Base Williamtown, left a crowd of more than 2500 veterans, school children and community members in awe.

The PC-9s represented a force of more than 188 bombers, dive bombers and fighter aircraft of the Imperial Japanese Navy, which launched to attack Darwin from four aircraft carriers in the Timor Sea.

More than 230 people were killed and about 400 wounded in the first of more than 100 air raids on northern Australia throughout 1942-1943.

There were 131 US military casualties. Eleven ships were sunk, with the largest loss of life from the destroyer USS Peary, with 88 men killed in action.

Sgt John Moyle (retd), a 95-year-old Darwin resident and former anti-aircraft gunner in Milne Bay, Papua New Guinea, said the re-enactment was a very nostalgic experience.

“It brought back harsh memories, I think about mates I haven’t got anymore, and that’s what it’s all about,” he said.

Gnr Timothy Muhamad said it was sobering, but an honour to be

involved in bringing the experience to life for the Darwin community.

“It’s been a great day at work, to be part of re-enacting such a significant event, and in particular to see the young faces of the school kids as they learn about an important part

of Darwin’s and Australia’s history,” he said.

Assistant Defence Minister Stuart Robert addressed the gathering and said the occasion was an opportunity to acknowledge the day when a city of a mere 6000 people was battered,

but refused to kneel. “We’ve come to remember a day where few stood against many,” he said.

“We are here to acknowledge the heroism of our Defences Force and of our American allies.

“We are here today to remember

and commemorate those who were killed and wounded on that day, 72 years ago and proclaim a community that was resilient, of a people who were and are courageous, and Territorians who were defiant in the face of force.”

The big bang: Soldiers from 8/12 Regt re-enact the firing of M282 Howitzers during 72nd anniversary of the bombing of Darwin. Right, Former Sgt John Moyle joins 8/12 Regt soldiers for the 72nd anniversary of the bombing of Darwin commemorative service at the Darwin Cenotaph. Photos by LS Jo Dilorenzo

Max Bree

AN old sapper celebrated his 100th birthday in Adelaide with family and friends on February 9.

Ex-sapper Charlie Brown served in Adelaide, Darwin, Wewak in New Guniea and Solomon Islands from March 1941 to February 1946.

Other than a letter from the Queen, Mr Brown recieved a

Centenary Certificate recognising his service to the Royal Australian Engineers and a letter from head of corps Brig Wayne Budd.

A Royal Australian Engineers Foundation coin and Chief of Army coin set were also presented to Mr Brown by MAJ Ryan Orders and WO2 Craig Anderson of 1CER.

The old sapper said he hadn’t received attention from higher

ranks since he missed parade after a late-night driving task.

“I’m not quite used to having majors and all that around me,” Mr Brown said.

“Though I got pulled over the coals once for not being on parade. They had the parade and I was the only one not there.

“So I said ‘what would you expect, I didn’t get home until 2 o’clock in the morning?’.”

Life centenary recognised

Milestone: OC 9 Fld Sqn Maj Ryan Orders (left), and Sqn Sgt-Maj WO2 Craig Anderson present WWII sapper Charlie Brown with letters and coins on his 100th birthday. Above, Mr Brown when he was a sapper in WWII. Photo by Cpl Nicci Freeman

Army March 13, 2014NEWS www.defence.gov.au/news/armynews12

COMPANIONSThey are loyal and courageousThey are strong and brave and trueThey are constant in their dutyThey will see the mission throughThey are trusted fond companionsWho respond to every callThey are fearless in a battle They will gladly give their all

They are camels of the desertThey are mules both small and largeThey’re the horses at the gallopIn the great Beersheba chargeThey are Simpson and his donkeyTaking wounded from the frayThey are pigeons with a messageThat will help to win the day

They are dogs who smell explosivesAs they journey on patrolWho will draw unwelcome fireTill their handlers take controlWho will rush and charge the enemyIn a bold and fierce attack And who often give their livesSo that their mates can all come back

Without language they still manage To convey emotions strongAnd with patience they will listen‘Cause they know that they belongTheir own mission is essentialThey are members of the team They are best friends, they are soul matesThey are part of freedom’s dream

They have often been forgottenWhen war’s stories have been toldBut we never should forget themAnd their actions brave and boldIn the chronicles of nationsLet the records state with prideHow our animal companionsLived and fought and served and died

Poem by Chap Jim Cosgrove

ANIMALS have played varying practical and supporting roles in Australia’s wartime history, from working animals such as dogs, horses, mules, pigeons and camels, which gave Australians both physi-cal and practical assistance, to those that played support roles as friends, companions and mascots giving affection, hope and relief from the stress of war.

The Australian War Memorial honoured the roles of the furry and feathered helpers in its spe-cial event Of Animals in War, on February 23, recognising that they have worked alongside the Australian military for more than 100 years.

A tribute wall of emotive war photography drawn from the Memorial’s national collection and ADF archives was displayed as a backdrop to the commemorative cer-emony.

It recognised that pigeons were used in great numbers during WWI, but because of advances in technol-ogy, including radar, the wireless and telephone by 1939 it was thought that pigeons would no longer be required.

Nonetheless, it was soon realised that this equipment could still fail in certain situations and message-car-rying pigeons were reinstated as an alternative. Two Australian pigeons were awarded the Dickin Medal in February 1947, which is often ref-ered to as the animals’ VC.

Horses known as Walers were used by light horsemen in the cam-paign in the Middle East during WWI. The light horsemen combined the mobility of cavalry with the fight-ing skills of infantry. They fought dismounted with rifles and bayonets. However, sometimes they charged on horseback, notably at Magdhaba and Beersheba.

The animals by their sides The Australian War Memorial honours the animals that serve with soldiers on operations around the world

Taking to the Sydney skyMichael Brooke

TWO Black Hawks from 6 Avn Regt roared over the Sydney CBD during a training mission conducted as part of a special operations qualification course.

The flight on February 20 was part of an activity with media representatives designed to help raise public awareness of the Black Hawk training exercises during the following two weeks.

The training flights gave the pilots and aircrew a bird’s-eye view of several warships berthed at HMAS Kuttabul as well as views across the city skyline.

Flights of three to four Black Hawks were a common sight during February, when pilots from the Holsworthy-based regiment conducted activities around the area.

OC 171 Avn Sqn Maj Brenton Mellor said the training aimed to ensure new aircrew gained the skill-set required to operate as part of 6 Avn Regt.

“The training challenged the air-crew to operate as a team,” he said.

“They conducted low-altitude flying in a range of weather and light conditions over Defence establish-ments and major public venues in Sydney and Parramatta.

“We take experienced Black Hawk pilots and aircrew and train them in the art of operating in and

around built-up areas by day and by night.”

Maj Mellor said the regiment conducted the training several times a year to practise operations in com-plex urban terrain.

“The trainee pilots and those seeking to renew their special quali-fications conducted multiple day and night flights every day for the duration of the two-week exercise,” he said.

Maj Mellor said the assault training serials included fast-roping, vehicle interdiction and ship boardings.

“One of the mission require-ments is that we have the capacity to respond to a situation in a major

population centre, and the only way to train our crews up to the required standard is to expose them to highly realistic training in complex urban terrain,” he said.

Maj Mellor said the Black Hawk was well-suited for the role to support special forces operations “and punches well above its weight in terms of capability output”.

“The role of the Black Hawk in this capacity is to get our special forces into position, whether that be by landing or fast rope, so that they can resolve a situation,” he said.

The Black Hawks have been based at Holsworthy Barracks since moving from Townsville in 2006.

Training: Black Hawk from 6 Avn Regt takes

off during a special ops qualification course.

Photo by Michael Brooke

The smallest element of a light horse regiment was the four-man section: one holding the horses while the other three fought.

Retired explosive detection dog Sarbi was a popular part of the family day, getting lots of pats and cuddles.

For nearly 14 months, Sarbi, was separated from her handler in Afghanistan.

The black Labrador-cross had been declared missing in action after

a battle with the Taliban in which Cpl Mark Donaldson earned his VC and nine soldiers were wounded, including Sarbi’s handler.

An RPG had exploded close to Sarbi, breaking the clip that attached her lead to her handler’s body armour.

A US soldier knew his Australian mates were missing Sarbi, and spot-ted her wandering with an Afghan man near an isolated patrol base in north-eastern Uruzgan province.

Sarbi was flown to Tarin Kot to be reunited with her Special Forces unit.

The Of Animals in War event was marked by a unique Last Post cer-emony.

Explosives detection dogs from the School of Military Engineering lined the Pool of Reflection in honour of Spr Darren Smith, of 2CER, and his dog Herbie, both killed in action in Afghanistan in June 2010.

Faithful friends: Cpl Shaun Laing and training dog Bubbles, of SME, were on hand to meet visitors at the Australian War Memorial. Right, Graham Brown, of the Light Horse Association, and his horse Destiny paid tribute to the contributions of animals in years past. Photos by John Wellfare

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SGT MATTHEW LOCKE, MG

Soldiers battled it out on the football field in memory of their mate, Sgt Matthew Locke, who was killed in action in Afghanistan in 2007, LS Yuri Ramsey reports.

A RUGBY league match might seem a strange wa y o f r e m e m b e r-ing a respected sol-

dier and awardee of a Medal for Gallantry. However, the family of Sgt Matthew Locke MG thought a friendly game between his mates was the perfect way to honour ‘Grub’.

Now in its sixth year, the Sgt Matthew Locke MG Charity Match kicked off at Bellingen Park on March 1.

As patron of the Sgt Locke charity match, Cpl Ben Roberts-Smith VC MG said it was fantastic to get people together at a sport-ing event to recognise Sgt Locke and all the personnel who have lost their lives.

“Sport is something that unifies all Australians,” Cpl Roberts-Smith said.

“It doesn’t matter what back-ground you have, where you come from, or what you do for a living, we can all come together around sport and I think this match is a great example of that.

“I couldn’t be prouder to be asked to be a patron.

“It’s very humbling and I take it very seriously, because I know I represent Matt, who was not just a friend to me but one of the best sol-diers I ever met.”

Sgt Nick Matthews, anoth-er Bellingen local, started the Sgt Matthew Locke MG Charity Match to honour his friend and colleague.

He had wanted to organise a trial match between the Army Thunder rugby league team and the Bellingen Magpies.

With great community support, the match became an annual event to remember Sgt Locke and raise funds for charities and local organisations.

Sgt Locke had worked with his father at the Bellingen bush mill before he joined the Army.

Sgt Locke’s sister Debbie Locke said he was a career soldier who was passionate about his job and the Army.

“He loved the lifestyle and he loved what it gave him,” she said.

“He knew about the dangers of the job, knew what he was getting into and knew he was going to be

in dangerous situations but he took that on.”

Army Thunder coach Maj Al Lynch said the team was keen to engage the community and show respect for Sgt Locke and everyone else lost on operations.

“It’s all about playing for them,” he said.

“Anything less than a 100 per cent performance and we would be letting them down.”

This year the match raised close to $14,000 for Mates4Mates, the Grub Club education fund and other local organisations such as Bellingen Hockey Club and Junior Rugby League.

Mates4Mates provides assistance to current and former ADF mem-bers who have suffered physical or psychological wounds, injuries and illnesses as a result of their service.

The Grub Club, started by the Locke family, is set up to assist chil-dren obtain an education in areas where the ADF has operated.

Initially sending resources to establish schools in Afghanistan, the Grub Club now assists in Timor-Leste.

LS Yuri Ramsey

A SOLID downpour of rain made con-ditions wet, muddy and slippery when Army Thunder and the Bellingen Magpies clashed at the Sgt Matthew Locke MG Memorial Match a t Bellingen Park on March 1.

While the aim of the match was never about winning, both teams threw them-selves into full-blooded tackles and runs, fully determined to triumph.

With the Magpies having former NRL players Jason Ryles, Brett Finch, Danny Buderus and Michael Crocker in their

ranks, the Thunder was forced to play the match more in the forwards.

Army Thunder coach Maj Al Lynch said he was confident his big mobile for-ward pack would get the job done.

“That served as a challenge for the guys, particularly the forwards to take these guys on,” Maj Lynch said.

Both teams traded ground, finding the conditions difficult, but the Thunder made the first break through with Bdr Jarrod Basset breaking through a tackle then sprinting almost half the length of the field to score the first try.

The Thunder scored two more tries while the Magpies replied with a

converted try of their own. The siren at half-time sounded with the Thunder leading 16-6.

Both teams came out in the second half with a point to prove.

With the former NRL players urging them on, the Magpies surged forward, putting the Thunder under pressure.

However, the superior fitness of Army Thunder gave them the edge as they scored multiple times late on to win the match.

The score was 34-18 at full-time with Sgt Danny Tavita, of 4 Regt RAA, named best Army player.

Sgt Locke’s sister, Debbie, said even

though the weather was not the best, it didn’t stop a great crowd from watching the match.

“The Bellingen community are very generous and have supported us for six years,” she said.

“We are very grateful for that.”Lt Ian McLeod, of 1 Sig Regt, said he

was happy with the team’s performance on the field.

“Considering all the issues we experi-enced, such as a lot of attrition and with the augmentation of the NRL boys on their side, we did really well,” he said.

“Matt was not just a friend to me, but one of the

best soldiers I ever met.

– Cpl Benjamin Roberts-Smith,

Sgt Matthew Locke MG Charity Match patron

State of play on the field

“The teamwork and the mateship

really brought us through and every time we

are here we go to the memorial in the main street and we take a

moment to think about what the game is about.

– Tpr Jack Blaine, 2/14 Regt (QMI)

“It was a great tough match, and

it was great to see the NRL boys

out there. Glad we got the win, we did it for Lockey and all the rest of the boys that passed overseas.

– Pte Mahn Darley, 1CSSB

SGT Matthew Locke enlisted in the Army on June 11, 1991. After he completed his recruit training at Kapooka, he was allocated to the infantry corps and commenced his IET at Singleton on September 10, 1991.

At the completion of his IET, Sgt Locke was posted to 5/7RAR.

He had a flair for infantry training and while at 5/7RAR he completed driver courses, the basic mortar course, promotion courses and became a small-arms coach.

It was obvious that Sgt Locke wanted to be challenged as a soldier, so in November 1997, he successfully completed the SASR selection course.

Over the next two years, Sgt Locke completed another 15 specialist courses including patrolling, demolitions, diving, parachuting and medical and was posted to 3 Sqn SASR.

He was awarded the Medal for Gallantry for his actions in an intense firefight near the Chora Pass in Afghanistan in June 2006.

When Australian forces were heavily engaged by insurgents during the operation, Sgt Locke slung his weapon and scaled an 8m cliff under fire in order to cover the flank.

He was killed in action by small-arms fire just over a year later while on a patrol during Op Spin Ghar in Uruzgan province on October 25, 2007.

Honours and awards:

Australian Active Service Medal with clasps East Timor, Iraq and International Coalition Against Terrorism

Afghanistan Campaign Medal

Australian Defence Medal

United Nations Medal with the United Nations Transitional Authority East Timor Ribbon

Infantry Combat Badge

Returned from Active Service Badge

During Sgt Locke’s service in the Army he deployed on the following operations:

Operation Tanager (East Timor), 2001

Operation Slipper (Afghanistan), 2002, 2004, 2006 and 2007

Operation Catalyst (Iraq), 2004, 2005 and 2007

HONOURING SGT LOCKE

Aiming straight: Pte Mahn Darley kicks a conversion during the Sgt Matthew Locke MG Charity Match at Bellingen, NSW, on March 1. Photos by LS Yuri Ramsey

In memory: Cpl Ben Roberts-Smith VC MG and Sgt Matthew Locke’s sister Debbie Lock, at the Sgt Matthew Locke MG Charity Match.

Dearly missed: Sgt Matthew

Locke was killed while on operation

in Afghanistan in 2007.

Stop right there: Tpr Jack Blaine (right) tackles a Magpies

player during the Sgt Matthew Locke MG Charity Match.

Army March 13, 2014 CENTREPIECEwww.defence.gov.au/news/armynews14 15

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Army March 13, 2014FEATURES www.defence.gov.au/news/armynews16

Maj Babui makes historyAn Army Cadet officer becomes the first indigenous major in his battalion, Cpl Mark Doran reports.

IT WAS a proud day for Australian Army Cadet (AAC) Maj Francisco Babui when he was promoted by CA Lt-Gen

David Morrison to become the first indigenous major in the AAC’s Northern Territory Battalion.

Supported by his wife Noella and local cadets, Maj (AAC) Babui was promoted on the lawns of the Northern Territory Parliament House on March 1.

Tiwi Island resident Maj Babui said working with the 20 cadets of 76 ACU was another opportunity for him to teach kids to do the right thing.

“I try to give our indigenous youth important advice on their education and how to avoid getting mixed up with bad company,” Maj Babui said.

“The 76 ACU cadets’ ages range from 13 to 15 and the life skills they learn with us assist them when they decide to join Norforce at the age of 17, which most of them do.”

Maj Babui was appointed as an Officer of Cadets in the AAC in 2002 after serving 17 years in the Army with the North-West Mobile Force as part of Tiwi Patrol of Darwin Squadron and 13 years as an Aboriginal Community Police Officer at Nguiu Police Station.

After completing his Officer of Cadets Basic Course Maj Babui was promoted to second lieutenant (AAC) and appointed OIC of the Nguiu

Remote Cadet Unit. In 2004 he was promoted to lieutenant (AAC).

By December 2004 he had completed several AAC command, logistics and management courses and

was promoted to captain (AAC) and appointed OC 76 ACU Tiwi Islands.

As a civilian, Maj Babui also provided support to the Xavier Community Education College as

a youth worker until he retired in 2013.

In his youth he was an avid footballer, playing for the Tiwi Bombers.

“The 76 ACU cadets’ ages

range from 13 to 15 and the life

skills they learn with us assist

them when they decide to join

Norforce at the age of 17, which most of them do.– Maj (AAC) Francisco Babui,

the first indigenous major in the AAC’s Northern

Territory Battalion

Promotion: Army Cadet Maj Francisco Babui, of 76 Army Cadet Unit, is promoted by CA Lt-Gen David Morrison at the Northern Territory Parliament House on March 1. His wife Noella assists with the rank slides. Photo by Cpl Mark Doran

Army March 13, 2014 FEATURESwww.defence.gov.au/news/armynews 17

27th March 2014.

DEFENCE Force Recruiting brought celebrity personal trainer Commando Steve to Canberra for three training

sessions on February 22 and 23. Commando Steve, in his signature

dark sunglasses and combat fatigues, ran three gruelling 90-minute fitness pro-grams for Canberra region fans, which included potential female recruits for the ADF.

Cpl Megan Polatas, of Defence Force Recruiting, said 30 female candidates for Defence were invited to attend the week-end events on the shore of Lake Burley Griffin.

“It was a great opportunity to demon-strate that anyone can have a go and for the ladies to meet other candidates who were going through the recruitment pro-cess as well as serving members of the Defence Force,” Cpl Polatas said.

“As part of the CA’s Women in the Army initiative our goal is to increase the amount of women in Army from 11.4 per cent to 12 per cent by July.

“Of our total population, 51 per cent are women, so it is important to encour-age more females to join the Army for the demographics of our society to be represented to the community we live in.”

Capt Rebecca Dyson, of ADFA, joined the first of Commando Steve’s training sessions and said the workout was extremely challenging despite her

level of fitness. “It was great to work out with civilian and military women who were all motivated and interested in fit-ness,” Capt Dyson said.

“The Commando is very fit and inspirational so it was a tough but rewarding session.

“It is important for Defence to increase the number of women serving to create a more balanced workforce that will enhance ADF capability in future.”

In her role as a mentor for female candidates, Cpl Polatas said the main challenges for recruiting women into the ADF were fitness standards and mothers finding the time to train.

“There are so many jobs available for women in Defence,” Cpl Polatas said.

“It’s not just one job or career they are enlisting to as every posting is dif-ferent.”

Women looking to join the Army have access to a pre-enlistment training fitness program and a 12-month initial minimum period of service for selected trades.

Some women will be able to join under the Recruit to Area Scheme, which provides certainty of the location they will be posted to after completing their training.

From January 2016, direct entry recruiting for all combat roles will be available, allowing women access to the full range of career opportunities.

Working hard with commandoPotential recruits get a taste of Army fitness, Cpl Mark Doran reports.

Tough going: Commando Steve instructs a

90-minute fitness program with Battle Camp Fitness for Canberra region fans, which included potential

female ADF recruits.Photos by Cpl Mark Doran

Army March 13, 2014FEATURES www.defence.gov.au/news/armynews18

BROKEN. It is a slogan that no soldier wants next to their name. It comes with the stigma of weakness,

failure and not being a good opera-tor. It is something that can become the description for a soldier in a heartbeat but takes years to shake.

As a soldier you are part of a machine, a system, a purpose. But once “broken” the soldier feels like they slow the machine, don’t fit into the system and can lose purpose. The feeling of failure and going “jack on your mates” weighs heavily on a soldier’s mind. Once they see themselves as “broken” the soldier becomes lost.

This is how I felt when I was medi-cally downgraded. Despite many efforts by Army, the stigma still exists.

Enter the Soldier Recovery Centre (SRC), an initiative created by the Army as a place to facilitate a “broken” sol-dier’s rehabilitation to three goals. Goal 1 – return the soldier back to their duties. Goal 2 – Rehabilitate the soldier to a point at which they can transfer to another trade and work with their restrictions. Goal 3 – Stabilise the injuries/illness of the soldier to a point for transition out of Defence.

As a new initiative it’s not very well understood through Army and there is an uninformed impression that the SRC is a “dumping ground for crap soldiers, a grave yard and a free ride”.

‘Broken’ and in the ArmyThe Soldier Recovery Centre helped me get over my guilt for feeling like I was leaving my mates, LCpl Craig Hancock writes.

This was my uninformed impression of the SRC when it was first suggested that I go there to facilitate my rehabilitation.

“No bloody way,” I thought to myself. “There is too much work to be done down here and I don’t want to leave the boys.”

As my frustration grew at not being able to perform my duties to my stand-ard and with advice from the doc and my OC, I went reluctantly.

I was told the SRC would enable me to focus on my rehabilitation as well as relieve tension that was building up and causing a lot of heartache in myself and on the home front.

I felt sick to my stomach with guilt about leaving the boys and focusing

within. I closed off from everyone, even those who were trying to help me. I began to feel even more alone and thought nobody had a clue what it was like to be “broken”.

But in February 2013 I was given the opportunity, through the SRC, to go the US to compete in the Marine Corps Trials paralympic competition for wounded, injured and ill service personnel.

I met some amazing people in the Australian team, who were also overcoming some unbelievable chal-lenges. This humbling experience was compounded in the US, where I was surrounded by several hundred other amazing people. The feeling of isolation began to disappear.

In August that year I walked the Kokoda trail with other injured soldiers and family members of our fallen war-rior brothers from Afghanistan. Walking in the footsteps of our forefathers and learning along the way what they endured was amazing, but to then do it with fellow soldiers and the families of our fallen brothers, words cannot describe. It was an extremely humbling and sobering experience that I will never forget.

In the short term my focus will be on the ADF Theatre Project. It’s a collaboration between the ADF and the Sydney Theatre Company to communicate to the Australian public, through theatre, the challenges of deployment and the return home.

The show is called The Long Way Home and some of the performers are recovering veterans. It’s touring the country now until April 2014. Don’t knock it till you try it.

Although my rehabilitation journey thus far at the SRC has been rewarding, this time has also been very challenging. I would not be this far in my rehabilitation if not for the SRC.

As I look forward my life is one of uncertainty. I am uncertain of what I will do once the Army is done with me, where I will be if not with the boys and who I will be if not a soldier.

Even with all these future chal-lenges, the opportunities gained through the SRC both personally and profes-sionally through external courses, have set me up to tackle them the best I can and to know that I am not alone; there is support.

I will walk this journey for the rest of my life but I will be resolute in achieving my end state. Paratus.

THE LONG WAY HOME TOUR DATES TOWNSVILLE Civic Theatre, March 14-15 CANBERRA The Playhouse, Canberra Theatre Centre, March 19-22 SOLD OUT MELBOURNE Merlyn Theatre, The Coopers Malthouse, March 27-29 SOLD OUT ADELAIDE State Theatre Company of South Australia, Dunstan Playhouse, Adelaide Festival Centre, April 1-5 PERTH His Majesty’s Theatre, April 11-12 To book tickets go to www.sydneytheatre.com.au/longwayhometour

Recovery: Cpl Tim Loch, Odile Le Clezio, LCpl Craig Hancock and Emma Jackson in the ADF Theatre Project’s production of The Long Way Home. LCpl Hancock acts out another scene, left. Photos by Lisa Tomasetti

Army March 13, 2014 FEATURESwww.defence.gov.au/news/armynews 19

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THE Centenary of Military Aviation 2014 (CMA14) air show at RAAF Williams Point Cook was universally

lauded as one of the best air shows the ADF has ever put on.

Its significance was not lost on the up-to 33,000 people who attend-ed the two-day event as it celebrated to the day – and minute – the first time a military aircraft was flown in Australia by Army Lt Eric Harrison in 1914.

Chief of Air Force Air-Mshl Geoff Brown said it was important to remember the contribution past aviators had made to the ADF of today.

Both history and the future were on display at Point Cook as every type of aircraft imaginable, includ-ing Army aircraft and those used

in Army cooperation and support roles were exhibited for the crowds. Aircraft included a Cessna 180, a Cessna 0-1 Bird Dog and Bell UH-1 Iroquois, which were all used in the Vietnam War, and a CAC Boomerang from WWII.

There were 63 different aircraft in total along with displays by drug and bomb detection dogs, heavy machinery crews, telecommunica-tions ground displays and weapons and ground patrols.

Taking up a large area opposite Air Force’s F/A-18, Hawk 127 and a mock F-35 Joint Strike Fighter were three assets from the School of Army Aviation at Oakey – an MRH-90 and two Tiger helicopters.

OC ARH Wing School of Army Aviation Maj Jaime Martin said the Army was there to show people its capability and technology.

“They had an opportunity to see what we do and what our aircraft look like,” he said. “We had heaps of people looking over the Tiger. They climbed up to see the cockpit and spoke to various personnel who took turns to speak, at times for hours, to the public.”

Maj Martin said everyone loved something with weapons on it, especially the children.

“There were lots of questions,” he said.

“They told the public all about what they and the aircraft could do. The crew loved it.”

On March 1, it was 100 years after Lt Harrison first flew a Bristol Boxkite.

“Eric Harrison was part of the Army Flying Corps,” Maj Martin said. “So, thanks [to the Air Force] for putting on a nice air show for us!”

Centenary of aviationA hundred years after an Army lieutenant flew the ADF’s first aircraft, crowds flocked to see how times have changed, Cpl Aaron Curran reports.

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BOXKITE TAKES TO THE AIRCpl Aaron Curran

THE morning dew was still holding on to the grass on the western runway at Point Cook when at exactly 7.40am on March 1, the RAAF Museum’s Bristol Boxkite glided effortlessly into the air for an historic flight.

The flight mimicked the first ADF flight conducted in a Boxkite at the same time and date 100 years prior. It was Army Lt Eric Harrison who had taken the challenge in 1914.

Onlookers held their breath as the aircraft was carefully flown at a height of 50 feet along the length of the runway by Sqn-Ldr Steve Bekker, a test pilot from the Aircraft Research and Development Unit at RAAF Base Edinburgh.

Half an hour before the flight, the aircraft was carefully pushed from its hangar by members of 1 Sqn and the RAAF Museum up to the northern end of the runway.

At 7.27am the engines were turned over for the warm up, then less than 10 minutes later the wheel chocks were taken away and Sqn-Ldr Bekker gave a confident thumbs up.

The Boxkite then rolled towards its starting point and took to the air, heading in southerly direction.

“There was a little bit of crosswind but luckily it was within limits,” Sqn-Ldr Bekker said. “We conducted a perfect flight.”

Although the timing and unpredictable weather worked against the team involved, everything fell into place – much to everyone’s relief.

“It is kind of like operating a balloon,” Sqn-Ldr Bekker said. “You have to have very light winds and very calm conditions, and on top of that it was a challenging aircraft to fly. Although it’s a simple aircraft it needed a bit of preparation.

“To fly an aircraft like this really reflected what those guys were going through back when Australia was a young nation.

“At the time the technology was cutting edge. They had the foresight and vision to see that this would be a big part of how we would defend our country in the future. We have come a very long way since 1914.”

Everyone who was there cheered when Sqn-Ldr Bekker safely landed the aircraft.

“It is still hard to believe I was given the opportunity to fly the Bristol Boxkite,” Sqn-Ldr Bekker said. “Once back on the ground, I thought to myself ‘did that really happen?’.”

Historical flight: Aircraft Research and Development Unit test pilot Sqn-Ldr Steve Bekker pilots the Bristol Boxkite replica during the Centenary of Military Aviation Air Show. A hundred years earlier Army Lt Eric Harrison was the first to fly the aircraft. Photo by LAC Brenton Kwaterski

Army aviation: Capt Dave Hanssens, of the Army Aviation Training Centre, shows visitors a Tiger.Photo by Cpl Aaron Curran

Back into the sky: A trio of Wirraway aircraft rumble into the sky during the Centenary of Military Aviation Air Show. Photo by Cpl David Said

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Army March 13, 2014FEATURES www.defence.gov.au/news/armynews20

DESPITE having both parents in the Air Force, a trainee medic at the triservice Army School of Health at

Bonegilla, Victoria, decided to join the Army.

Pte Natasha Francis said she chose to become a medic in the Army to learn new skills and help people in need. It was a career she had always aimed for.

“Being an Army medic allows me to assist others serving and gives me experiences I wouldn’t get in civilian life,” she said.

“I enjoy the teamwork and each individual’s knowledge and experiences they bring to the course.

“I also enjoy the different practical exercises our staff organise for us.”

Trainee medic Pte Robert McIntyre followed his father into the Army.

“The instructors at the Army School of Health have been excellent in teaching their skills,” he said.

“They allow us to better our abilities as future medics, and I have really enjoyed the practical activities they set up for us.”

Instructor Sgt Ellen Greig, whose grandfather Cpl Donald Greig served in the 2nd/23rd Bn during WWII and also trained at Bonegilla, said she enjoyed the direct positive influence the instructors had on the trainees.

“The autonomy of my role as course manager is entirely supported by my hierarchy,” she said.

School trains medics to provide the best care in the field, on operations and during daily duties, Sgt Dave Morley reports.

“We, the SNCOs, have a strong and varied team and our experience and teaching styles are strengthened here.

“It’s very rewarding to have the trainees ask questions and be genuinely interested in the answers.”

Sgt Greig said she was fascinated with biology and animals throughout her school years.

“I wanted an Army job that would allow me to study along biology lines with a strong practical component,” she said.

“Now I can apply that new knowledge to help the soldiers who will need it.”

There are 26 sailors, 115 soldiers and 18 airmen and airwomen attending ADF medic courses at the Army School of Health.

On completion of their 18-month course they will graduate with a nationally recognised Diploma in Paramedical Science and a Diploma in Enrolled Nursing.

The Army School of Health has been triservice since 2012.

Check up: Pte Natasha Francis, Pte Robert McIntyre and instructor Sgt Ellen Greig practise the actions to be taken when a patient requires medical attention.Photo by WOFF Ian Swney

Students to save lives

Army March 13, 2014 PERSONNELwww.defence.gov.au/news/armynews 21

Support to move on Army Personnel Coordination Detachments help soldiers change from full-time ARA to reserves or civilian lifeCpl Mark Doran

RECENT training in Canberra has improved the capability of the Army Personnel Coordination Detachments (APCD) across Australia.

Five APCD personnel completed the two-week Army Personnel Coordination Detachment Commander’s course at HMAS Harman on February 13.

In support of the ADF Transition Centres, the role of APCDs is to assist Army personnel through their transition from the Regular Army to the Army Reserve or civilian life.

APCDs are manned by a full-time major and a part-time warrant officer with a full-time warrant officer as the trade transfer and retention warrant officer in selected areas.

Training provided to APCD staff includes a thorough understanding of their role and how best to engage and interact with people requiring support from organisations such as the Department of Veterans’ Affairs, the Army’s Support to Wounded, Injured and Ill Program, and the Defence Community Organisation.

Maj John Hart, of APSC HQ, said APCDs were implemented to help units provide a seamless transition from the full-time Army for their soldiers.

“It is important to guide them in the right direction and have a positive impact to ensure they are prepared for

their future after transitioning from Army,” Maj Hart said.

“APCD personnel are chosen through a selection process and come from a variety of Army backgrounds and careers.

“They need sound communication skills, empathy and compassion to assist soldiers and their families during their transition.

“At the same time we also provide guidance on the entitlements members feel they are eligible for. Working in an APCD does have its stressful moments, but it is a very rewarding job.”

Maj Julie Scheef, of APCD South Victoria, said the training was important to ensure staff achieved their mission of providing assistance to soldiers and their families as they separated from the full-time ARA.

“We learn skills such as how to interview the soldiers, maintain contact records and manage our role as an administrative commanding officer,” Maj Scheef said.

“Some may have a difficult time within the transitions space, especially where complex cases such as mental and physical health are involved.

“When we conduct a soldier’s transition ceremony with their families and show them how they have contributed to Army it puts a smile upon their face and they say ‘thank you’.

“APCD is a vital asset for Army and the best part of this job is that

Reaching goals: Majs

Scott Strijland and Ian Lakey from the Army

Personnel Coordination

Detachment look over their notes

during their training at HMAS

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Cpl Mark Doran

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we assist soldiers in the transition space.” APCDs also have many other important functions, which include being the point of contact for members posted to Army Personnel Not Related to Establishment positions, members on extended long service leave, leave without pay, maternity leave and undergoing long-term rehabilitation, convalescence or transition.

They are also a point of contact for

Army members who have separated or transitioned from the Army. Trade transfer and retention warrant officers assist soldiers, units and commanding officers by providing advice on corps transfer, trade transfer, officer training and service transfers.

Those who may be thinking about changing jobs or separating from the Army should contact their local trade transfer warrant officer.

They can provide help to change trades while maintaining service benefits. A new addition to the APCDs are the Member Support Coordinators who support the Army Support to Wounded Injured and Ill Program and personnel being medically separated.

These capabilities come together assisting Army to support soldiers transitioning, and those who wish to retrain and remain within Army.

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A CENTRE dedicated to assisting in the rehabilitation of current and former members of the ADF has been opened by Soldier On and the parents of Canberra-born Pte Robert Poate.

Named after Pte Poate, who was killed in Afghanistan in 2012, the Robert Poate Centre is the second of its kind and the first for Canberra.

His parents Hugh and Janny Poate cut the ribbon on the facility and said it meant a lot to them.

“I think he would have loved to have done something like this when he got back,” Mr Poate said.

Soldier On CEO John Bale said the centre was an exciting development for the care offered to wounded personnel across Australia.

“We hope to duplicate these types of drop-in centres throughout the country so that anyone who needs assistance knows where they can find it,” he said.

“We want to be a one-stop shop for Australia’s wounded and their families, collaborating with other organisations to ensure they have the world’s best care available.”

Photo and story by Cpl Nick Wiseman

In honour of Pte Poate

Well done: WO1 Roseann Smith is presented with her deployment certificate by Commander JTF 633 Maj-Gen Craig Orme. Photo by WO2 Rob Nyffenegger

On tune: Musn Kaid Normington and LCpl Scott McCormick play during the

Defence Community Organisation’s Family Day at the Victory Memorial

Gardens, Wagga Wagga.Photo by LAC Michael Green

Returning home: Maj Scott Holmes is OC Force Projection Element 1 from C Coy, 1RAR at

FOB Lindsay. He leads the infantry soldiers, cavalry troopers, signallers

and medics conducting patrols and protection tasks in support of

the Australian advisers working alongside the Afghan National Army. Photo by WO2 Rob Nyffenegger

Show and tell: (Back L-R) Maj Michael Byrne, Sue Byrne, Eileen Taylor and Tpr Reuben Murphy show Talea Byrne, Sienna Byrne and Leo Byrne an ASLAV at the DCO fun day at Enoggera. Photo by Cpl Jessica de Rouw

A look inside: Cpl Ashton Brook in the wardroom of HMAS Tobruk. Photo by AB Cassie McBride

Assemble your weapons: ADFA instructor Sgt Kelson Rayner supervises a weapons handling test with OCdt Verity Farragher, Midn Gabi Anastasio and OCdt Bradley McPaul. Photo by Cpl Bill Solomou

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Army March 13, 2014www.defence.gov.au/news/armynewsLIFESTYLE FUN24

SAY AGAIN, OVERIf you can think of a clever cap-tion for the pic-ture featured right, email captioncomp@ defence news.gov.au with “cap-tion comp March 13” as the subject. Keep entries under 25 words and include your name, rank and unit.

Last edition’s winner

DIKKO By Bob Dikkenberg

Dine for matesA MATESHIP charity dinner will be held on March 29 at the Ipswich RSL. The event will raise money for the not-for-profit organisation Mates4Mates, which provides holistic welfare and treatment programs for ADF and ex-serving members who have suffered physical or psychological wounds, injuries and illnesses as a result of their service. Mates4Mates offers psychological counselling, career coaching programs, wellbeing workshops, family support meetings, adventure challenges, physical rehabilitation and conditioning programs. The 2014 Mateship Charity Cocktail Dinner offers a delicious three-course meal, live entertainment, raffles and will help raise awareness for Mates4Mates. Tickets are $95 and can be purchased through Gina Conroy at gina.conroy@bigpond.com

Plank for PTSDOPERATION PTSD Support in Australia is running an event called plank for PTSD. The organisation aims to promote awareness of PTSD and related suicide. The group is asking personnel and their families to take a picture of people planking. There will be gym-style group and novelty divisions with prizes for the best photo and also a random draw. Send photos to www.facebook.com/plankforptsd

RAEME eventTHE Adelaide region RAEME Corps’ birthday celebrations held at RAAF Edinburgh by the Logistic Support Element (LSE) 1CSSB late last year raised $1028 for Soldier On. During the event, RAEME HOC Brig Mathewson promoted Cfn Braithwaite to LCpl, provided recognition of service for Colonel Commandant Col Greg Rosser, and awarded Craftsman of the Year to Cfn Matthew Ansell (Central Region), Cfn Karl Hemmes (ARes National) and Cfn David Mack (ARA National). Activities throughout the day consisted of a billy cart race, traditional spanner throw, tug-of-war and rank relay. The tug-of-war was a hotly contested even as temperatures soared above 30C.

A big, fast bargain Forrester XT combines the convenience of a wagon with hot-hatch rivalling performanceEngine: 2L direct injection turbo-charged

horizontally-opposed Boxer engine producing 177kW and 350Nm of torque

Transmission: Eight-speed CVT auto with steering wheel paddles

Fuel usage: 8.5L/ 100km (claimed)0-100km/h: 7.5 seconds (claimed)Warranty: 3 years unlimited kmDrive-away Price: $47,947 Reviewer: WO2 Andrew Hetherington

WHAT has five seats, a 2.0 litre turbo-charged boxer engine, is all-wheel-drive (AWD) and can get you and your family from A to B at warp speed safer than any other vehicle?

The answer of course is a Subaru Forester XT wagon.

Subaru have been selling the Forester in Australia since 1997 and the 2014 model is the fourth series of the wagon.

It’s only available in an eight-speed CVT automatic, controlled from either the centre console stick or the paddles mounted behind the steering wheel.

Some may complain about the lack of a manual option, but after a few days drivers will get used to the con-venience of having eight ratios.

The engine is punchy, has more than enough torque to scare the shoes off back seat passengers and allows for a fun and exhilarating drive on any road surface.

A highlight of the XT is the Subaru Intelligent drive system.

It’s controlled by a circular knob located in the centre console and is an interesting feature to be included into a wagon.

Subaru has been making it a feature in their automatic STi and other higher performance models for years. It’s an awesome way to fully explore the per-formance of the vehicle and drive to your mood or the road conditions.

It has three modes. The first is intelligent, which could be used dur-

ing heavy city traffic or wet weather driving with its less sensitive throttle response.

Then there’s sport; it has a more sensitive throttle response and quick-ens acceleration.

Finally there’s sport sharp, which adds an even quicker throttle response and provides more torque at lower speeds. In other words, sport sharp allows for full exploitation of the engine’s performance.

In sport sharp, acceleration is at times breath-taking, especially in traf-fic when going from slow speeds, changing lanes and aiming for the

speed limit. As this year’s XT does not have a turbo inlet on the top of the bonnet, it looks like most other Foresters in the range, except for the badge and wheels, so seeing the look on other drivers’ faces as the family wagon blasts past can be fun.

Handling is also more than com-petent and what you’d expect from a wagon. The AWD system in any con-dition is surefooted and confidence building.

Body roll in corners is never unnerving, whether the vehicle is driv-en in a traffic, commute or highway mode. The XT could be lent to your

hot-headed teenage offspring or your 75-year-old grandparent; you know they’ll be safe on their journey.

I could list all of the standard safe-ty features packed into the XT and continue to mention the fit and fin-ish on the interior and exterior, which are a big advancement over the series three Forester.

But for me the Forester XT was about how it felt when I accelerated, turned and stopped. At under $50,000 drive-away, being turbo-charged, AWD, reliable and safer than most cars on the road, it’s a bargain.

Fast mover: The new Forrester XT is an impressive sports car dressed up as a family wagon.

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Army March 13, 2014 LIFESTYLE FINANCEwww.defence.gov.au/news/armynews 25

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Taxation trap: Legitimate tax deductions cannot be produced out of thin air, so keep paper records to claim all your work-related costs. Photo by PO Paul Berry

Maximise your tax refundEnsure you have the documents to prove the legitimacy of tax deductions, as Air-Cdre Robert Brown writes.

WE HAVE come to rely on receiving an income tax refund in the second half

of every year.Of course, a tax refund is just

that. It’s a refund of what we have already paid.

The way the system works is that your employer is required by law to withhold an amount of tax from your regular salary.

This must be sent monthly to the Australian Tax Office. The amount of withholding, which is dependent on the size of your salary, is prescribed in a table which all employers must follow.

Where a taxpayer has paid out money which is necessary to earning their income (for example, work-related expenses) they may be able to claim a deduction for that amount in their annual tax return, thereby producing a refund of tax.

Some other people may have negatively geared an investment property as a tax deduction.

That is, they have borrowed to buy a property and the annual rental income is less than the sum of the interest on the loan and other expenses of ownership, such

as rates and maintenance. In that case, the loss may be deducted against their salary, producing a refund of tax.

Bear in mind, this is a real loss (generously subsidised by the people of Australia). So you would need to be convinced that the property will increase in value to cover the losses, and more.

It should go without saying that legitimate tax deductions cannot be produced out of thin air.

The only way to prove their legitimacy is to have documentary evidence that you spent the money.

Using your imagination is not acceptable. Eventually, you will be caught out and that will not be a pleasant experience.

Sleeping soundly at night is a much better option.

What you can claimFor a list of possible deductions for ADF members, read Taxation Ruling TR95/17 at www.ato.gov.au

Air-Cdre Robert Brown is the Independent Chairman of the ADF Financial Services Consumer Council. He has been a chartered accountant and a registered tax agent.

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Army March 13, 2014www.defence.gov.au/news/armynewsLIFESTYLE HEALTH26

Chin-ups will lift your gameA favourite move to show pure relative strength, the chin-up can help you climb to the top, Lt Rob Orr reports.

A CHIN-UP or heave is an exercise that shows the ability to lift your own body weight, or techni-cally, about 95 per cent

of your body weight.Excellent for training the muscles

of the back, upper arm and forearm, the chin-up can improve rope climb-ing skills and any movements that require a strong pulling action.

The chin-up comes with the infa-mous saying “you can’t fake it, if you can’t make it”.

ExecutionStart position: Hanging directly

below the beam/bar, arms are fully extended but not locked out, with a very slight bend in the elbow. Head up facing the bar.

Raising: Initiating movement with the shoulder and the elbows together, the arms are pulled into the side in a smooth action.

The back is arched slightly to meet the bar on the upper chest and remains in this position without rock-ing backwards.

The ‘up’ position: Ensure the shoulders are not rounded forward in the up position.

The beam or bar should touch the chest with the head not placed over the beam or bar, but looking up towards the roof.

For an under grasp and neutral grasp chin-up, the elbow should be directly below the wrist, palms fac-ing the shoulders (under grasp) or each other (neutral grasp).

Depending on the width of the grip, the elbow may be positioned directly below the wrist, or slightly closer to the body. The elbows should, however, still be in line with the wrist and the bar/beam.

Lowering: Under control, slowly lower to the start position with the elbows fully extended. Dropping too quickly places strain on the muscles crossing the front of the elbow and may cause injuries.

Grip variationsOver grasp: Have the hands

greater than shoulder-width apart, which allows for greater inward rota-tion of the scapula, thereby increas-ing the role of the muscles of the inner upper back.

Under grasp: The palms face the shoulders about shoulder-width apart, which allows the elbows to move directly into the side of the body. This grip allows greater range of motion over the big lat and bicep muscles.

Neutral grip: This has the hands facing in towards each other and, by using both wrist flexors and exten-sors, allows a stronger grip. Muscle

actions are similar to those of the under grasp where there is slightly less bicep tension due to the wrist/hand position.

Chin-ups behind the neck: This exercise can cause neck, shoulder and elbow injuries and should be avoided.

Chin-ups to the chest with the above grip variations will provide the necessary gains without the increased risk of injury.

Wide grip = wide back? This is unfortunately a fallacy. To develop a wide V-shaped back, a neutral or under grasp grip should be used. This allows a greater range of motion across the latissimus dorsi.

Wide grip chin-ups are designed to improve the range of the scapula and therefore increase the use of the rhomboids and trapezius muscles.

The kipping chin-upThis variation allows more repeti-

tions due to momentum and bounc-ing through the hardest part of the movement.

However, it places a high strain though the shoulder capsule.

Lt Rob Orr is a former Army PTI and is now a reservist and assistant professor at the Bond Institute of Sport and Health.

CHIN-UP TIPS Do negative repetitions

by jumping to the up position then lower as slowly as possible.

Use a chin-up assis-tance machine to deload your own body weight.

Use a spotter to assist you past the hardest bit on the way up.

Use a variety of grips.

Use a light weight (see a PTI on ‘how to’) to add resistance to your cur-rent lifting ability.

Vary rest times (less rest increases tension; more rest increases the recovery of the nervous system).

To increase stability loading, perform your chin-ups or incline chin-ups gripping a rope or a rope in each hand.

When training remember that technique is more important than amount.

Hang time: The start is shown here with

hands in the over grasp position.

Photos by Cpl Max Bree

Raising: This movement is shown with hands in the under grasp position.

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SPORTwww.defence.gov.au/news/armynewsArmy March 13, 2014 27

THE Australian Defence Rowing Association (ADRA) is calling for nominations from row-ers, coaches and coxswains to compete in the Australian Masters Rowing Championships in Adelaide from May 1-4.

The team captain will endeavour to crew rowers with similar levels of ability to form the crews, with Defence teams aiming to race in the ‘A’ Women’s category and the men’s eights.

There will also be an interservice eights race between Navy, Army and Air Force for the Anzac Cup, which is planned to be the opening race on the program.

Individuals must be members of a rowing club affiliated with Rowing Australia and must also be a member of ADRA.

Further information from the ADRA website on the Intranet, or send your nomination and event preferences to rowing.association@defence.gov.au before March 14. Further details from ADRA president Capt Charles Huxtable on (02)-6265 6215 or ADRA captain of boats Capt Nic Williams on 0428 307241.

CALL FOR ROWERSLawn bowls trio stake rep honoursJason Jackhunter

THE opportunity to compete in the Southern Hemisphere’s most pres-tigious lawn bowls event was a huge reward for three Army lawn bowl-ers who represented the Australian Services Bowls Association (ASBA) at the Australian Open in Melbourne last month.

For the first time, ASBA entered an all-female team with WO1 Susan McManus and WO1 Jane Wall making up the foursome that contested an Australian Open qualifying event to vie for entry into the Australian Open main event.

Also in the 16-person squad was WO1 Mick Carley, who had already qualified for the singles main draw with an excel-lent performance in a lead-up event held in Canberra in August last year.

The Australian Open attracted not only state representatives and members of the Australian squad, but players from Malaysia and Hong Kong in preparation for this year’s Commonwealth Games.

WO2 McManus and WO2 Wall pro-gressed into the second round of their singles matches with impressive wins in their respective first rounds, 21-18 and 21-15.

They were unable to progress to the next round but gained enormous benefit, according to WO1 Susie McManus.

“This is a great experience to be on this sort of battle ground with the nation’s and world’s greatest bowlers.

“I am so happy to be part of the first women’s team to represent ASBA,” WO1 McManus said.

In the main draw, WO1 Carley had his hands full in his battle against Malaysian Fairul Muin, who had won his way through the qualifying event the previous week.

While WO1 Carley fought hard throughout the match, he was beaten 21-11.

The Army trio will also be key play-ers in their tilt at the ASBA National Championships at Booval Bowling club in Ipswich from September 14-19.

World waits for triathlete

Men’s champion: Cfn Andrew Emmerich

on the bike while on his way to winning the

Defence long-course triathlon at Huskisson. Inset, swimmers churn

up the water.Photos by LS Yuri Ramsey

John Martin

THE scene of WO2 Megan Webber’s latest sporting triumph is a far cry from Mont-Tremblant in Quebec, Canada, where she will compete in the 70.3 world half-ironman triathlon championship in September.

Mont-Tremblant is an alpine ski resort in the Laurentian mountains, 130km north-west of Montreal.

On February 23, WO2 Webber was one of 13 Australian Defence Spor ts Tr ia thlon Associa t ion (ADSTA) athletes – five from Army, one US Army, four Navy and two Air Force – competing in the long-course triathlon at the Jervis Bay Triathlon festival amid the crystal-clear waters and stunning scenery of the NSW coastal town of Huskisson.

More than 5000 athletes compete in events over three days in a mass of colour, noise and movement.

In a race within a race, the per-formances of the ADF athletes in the 2km swim, 83km cycle and 20km run event are used to decide the ADSTA long-course championship.

The men’s championship win-ner was Cfn Andrew Emmerich, of 6 Avn Regt, who finished in 4hr 26min 19sec.

WO2 Webber, of HQ RMC-A, was the women’s champion in 4:56.13.

WO2 Webber was understand-ably happy. “I had a cracker of a day and thoroughly enjoyed the race,” she said.

“The swim was nice and calm, the bike course challenging and the run flat.”

But truth is she probably had a smile on her face when she hit the water for the first event of the day, the swim leg, at 8.30am.

Two weeks earlier, WO2 Webber had travelled to Victoria for the half-ironman (1.9km swim, 90km ride, 21.1km run) at the Geelong 70.3 with the knowledge that three peo-ple in her age division, 35-39 years, would gain qualifying places for the world championships in Canada.

The weather was wild in Geelong and she had to battle gusts of 70km/h, but was more than happy with her performance and even hap-pier to land one of those places.

In the past few years, WO2 Webber has graced the pages of Army as a netballer, water polo player and adventure sportsman. She’s even been a marathon runner.

But triathlon is her number one sport at the moment.

She used to compete in sprint tri-

athlons when she was a teenager and in her early 20s, but last year she re-entered the sport after a 12-year break.

There was none of the short stuff either. She warmed up for the Cairns full ironman (3.8km swim, 180km bike ride, 42.2km run) in June by competing in an Olympic-distance (1.5km swim, 40km ride, 10km run).

The Cairns ironman is on her list for this year, too. It’s on June 8 and she used her Huskisson race as train-ing for that.

“I am really happy with my splits and can now feel confident that all of my training has been working,” she said.

From Cairns, it will be just a few months until her trip to Canada.

The race will take place on September 7. It will be too early for snow but she’ll be going from spring here to their fall and she’s mindful the water temperature in Tremblant Lake will be about 18 degrees, com-pared to the 22 degrees it was at Huskisson.

The swim will be followed by a bike ride through Mont-Tremblant’s mountains and then a run finishing in the resort’s pedestrian village.

Qualified: WO2 Jane Wall is one of three Army lawn bowlers who participated in the Australian Services Bowls Association at the Australian Open in Melbourne.Photo by Scotty Tobias

TELL US YOUR STORY

armynews@defencenews. gov.au

WORLD AWAITS

WO2 Megan Webber qualifies for world titles

March 13, 2014

PAGE 27

Plus:Army Thunder puts on a show

in regional match to remember Sgt Matthew Locke, MG

CENTREPIECE

Thumbs up: WO2 Megan Webber gives the thumbs up to her renewed love of triathlon while competing in the Australian Defence Sports Triathlon Association long-course championship at Huskisson on February 23.Photo by LS Yuri Ramsey